In the last episode, we covered Anusha Rao Deekulla’s research approach, her experience with an education consultant and English Proficiency Tests. In this episode, we will explore the cultural experience in Australia and the difference between education in India and Australia.
Key highlights:
- Cultural Experience in Australia
- India vs Australia
- Adjusting to a New Lifestyle
- Work-Life Balance: The Difference That Stood Out
- The Best of Both Worlds
- Difference Between Education in India and Australia
Cultural Experience in Australia
India vs Australia
As a Mumbaite, the first cultural difference Anusha noticed soon after landing in Australia was that everything shuts down by 6 p.m., whereas Mumbai is a city that never sleeps. Except for supermarkets, which remain open until about 10 p.m. or 11 p.m., everything shuts down. Beyond that, the streets are quiet at night in Australia. In contrast, even at 3 a.m., the crowds are still visible in Mumbai.
Adjusting to a New Lifestyle
The difference is not in the store timings but in the rhythm of life. For example, in Mumbai, people are always in a hurry to go to work, paving their way through traffic, and rarely acknowledging human presence around. In Australia, on the other hand, she found a leisurely, purposeful pace. As she passes by the strangers in the street, people greet her with “Hello”.
For Anusha, it took a little time to adapt, as one cannot accept a different environment with the easy flip of a switch. The people’s warmth in Australia made the transition easier as they are conversational and kind.
Work-Life Balance: The Difference That Stood Out
What impressed her most, however, was Australia’s deep commitment to work-life balance when offices close at 6 p.m., they really close. There is no overtime, no after-hours pressure, no expectation of staying back. Once your shift has ended, you can go home as your time is respected.
According to her, for someone from Mumbai, where long hours and restless movement are integral parts of life, this felt refreshing. She wasn’t ridiculing the energy of her home city, but she understood how important personal time, space, and balance are after she went to Australia.
The Best of Both Worlds
She ultimately learned to appreciate both cultures for their various offerings. Mumbai’s vibrancy, speed, and continuous buzz had been a major part of her life. Australia’s calm, friendliness, and respect for personal time helped her rediscover herself. The cultural differences were not a matter of better or worse, as they reflected two very different lifestyles, meaningful in their own way.
Difference Between Education in India and Australia
Academic structures in India and Australia differ in various aspects, not in a way that places one above the other, but they have distinct approaches to learning. Anusha chose Australia due to its innovative and immersive teaching methodologies. She noticed that Australian programmes tend to be very particular about what students learn and how they apply that knowledge.
In Australian universities, expectations are clearly stated, coursework is streamlined, and there is very little room for ambiguity. Students, particularly in master’s programmes, are expected to have some basic knowledge, although they need not be experts. Professors will ensure they lay a strong foundation as well as teach you advanced concepts in a very structured way.
India has its own robust education system in which many of Anusha’s friends have thrived. She emphasised that the choice should depend on your personal preference, learning goals, and preferred pedagogy. Indian courses offer flexibility, allowing you to navigate certain topics at your pace. On the other hand, Australian programmes come with a highly organised structure that keeps students aligned with learning outcomes.
She also noted that a general difference often mentioned by her peers is that the Indian curriculum tends to be more theoretical. Whereas programmes offered by study abroad universities, including Australian colleges, are practical-oriented and emphasise independent research.
Since she chose a management course, her curriculum is more focused on management frameworks, strategic approaches, and project-based thinking. However, for other fields of study, such as Civil Engineering or Construction, Australian universities offer extensive practical exposure, including site visits, fieldwork, and practical applications. So, the theoretical or practical approach in curricula will vary not only from country to country but also depending on the chosen course.
For Anusha, studying in Australia is a personal choice and an opportunity to explore her interests within an academic environment that fits her learning style. In the end, both education systems offer quality education, but provide different paths toward the same academic goals, and you must choose the one that aligns with your learning aspirations.
So, this is all about Anusha’s cultural experience in Australia and the difference between education in India and Australia. In the next episode, we will cover her career plans, her experience with the education loan partner, her repayment plans, and Anusha’s advice to study abroad aspirants. Meanwhile, if you have any queries, please feel free to connect with us.
Also Read: Study Abroad Plan 2025: Step-by-Step Guide for Students
